Czech reporters sue Israel over flotilla raid

Two journalists say Jewish state has yet to return money and equipment confiscated during Commando operation on Gaza-bound ship, demand apology

Ronen Medzini |Published: 04.10.11 , 20:22

Two Czech reporters who were on the Gaza-bound Turkish Marmara vessel during a deadly Israeli Commando raid
last May are suing Israel,
claiming the Jewish state has yet to return money and personal equipment confiscated from them.

The two journalists filed a criminal claim in their country against Israel, although the prosecutor's office in Prague has already instructed the police not to investigate the case. The two turned to a higher authority, the attorney general's office, in a bid to overturn the decision.

The journalists' complaint includes 29 criminal acts allegedly committed by the Israeli soldiers, including theft and abduction. The two are demanding a "serious investigation", as well as legal and consular aid from the Czech authorities.

The two say they are furious with the Czech Foreign Ministry and the Czech Embassy in Israel for "violating international treaties on consular relations" in handling the flotilla incident.

Meanwhile, it appears the Israeli efforts to stop future Gaza-bound flotillas are being supported by unlikely elements. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in an interview to local newspaper VG Nett that "those taking part in the planned journey to Gaza in May are in risk of being exploited by groups with different interests.

"Such journeys are mainly symbolic," he added, "as most of the goods they bring along can also be brought through land. What comes through the sea will likely be received by the Hamas-ruled economy, and everyone should be aware of that."

The Norwegian foreign minister's remarks were made on the backdrop of the announcement of a group of parliament members from Norway that they plan to take part in the Gaza-bound flotilla in May.

Foreign Ministry officials were pleased with the Norwegian minister's comments, particularly in light of the fact that the relations between Israel and Norway are not considered warm.